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VoiceNation Director to Speak at Asterisk World in Florida on January 28

January 8, 2016 // by admin

Eric Schurke, Director of Operations at VoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services, will be a special guest speaker during Asterisk World, a part of the annual IT Expo, which will be held January 25-28, 2016 at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Asterisk World is focused on Asterisk business users and potential users who are interested in getting more in depth experience with Asterisk, and who also want to learn more from Asterisk adopters and see what’s happening in the Asterisk market. On Thursday, January 28th, Schurke will share VoiceNation’s Asterisk story and use of the software to build their revolutionary open source answering service software, OpenAnswer.

In his presentation entitled “OpenAnswer: A Case Study on the Power of Open Source,” Schurke will discuss how VoiceNation developed OpenAnswer to help evolve the industry away from the proprietary existing solutions that charge per seat and require binding contracts. He will also share the OpenAnswer early adopter success story of Georgia CALLS, a unique 501(c)3 non-profit helping high-risk, returning citizens make a successful transition from incarceration back into society as business entrepreneurs. Georgia CALLS has had overwhelming success utilizing OpenAnswer in their on-site call center, which is staffed by Georgia CALLS program participants.

“Through the use of Asterisk, we’ve developed a way for entrepreneurs who would not have been able to start a call center, to have the opportunity to do so at very little cost. OpenAnswer software exponentially increases call center operator efficiency, accuracy, and productivity,” explained Schurke.

Visit VoiceNation at Asterisk World at booth 428 to learn more about VoiceNation’s strategy for OpenAnswer.

The OpenAnswer Solution

Set to make a global impact on the telecommunications industry and businesses worldwide, VoiceNation’s OpenAnswer is intuitive, intelligent open source live answering software that provides the call center industry with a collaborative solution that is freely available to download, install, and modify.

OpenAnswer is built on familiar open source technology like Asterisk, FreePBX, Apache, Linux, PF Sense, SIP and more. The system is designed to increase operator efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. There are no licensing fees and call center owners get unlimited seats and scalability with OpenAnswer. The online documentation at www.voicenation.com/openanswer outlines the step-by-step process to get started installing the software, and features need-to-know information and tips on how to configure OpenAnswer to fit your needs.

Registration for Asterisk World is now open. Visit http://www.asterisk-world.com/east/registration.aspx.

For the latest Asterisk World news, updates and information, follow the event on Twitter at @asteriskpbx

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is a leading virtual PBX, voicemail, and innovative live answering service provider. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, the company’s cloud-based virtual phone services offer all the features of a physical PBX at a fraction of the cost or complexity of traditional technology. VoiceNation enables businesses of all sizes to compete in the marketplace as a Fortune 500 company on a small business budget with 24-hour presence management.

Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that serves more than 50,000 customers including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm. The company also provides qualified non-profit, tax-exempt charities with access to voicemail, faxmail and other specialized communication services at reduced cost through their Care2Call outreach program. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit www.voicenation.com.

About Digium

Digium®, Inc. provides Asterisk® software, telephony hardware, and on-premises and hosted Switchvox business phone systems that deliver enterprise-class Unified Communications (UC) and UC as a Service (UCaaS) solutions at an affordable price. Digium is the creator, primary developer and sponsor of the Asterisk project; the world’s most widely used open source communications software. Asterisk turns an ordinary computer into a feature-rich communications server. A community of more than 80,000 developers and users worldwide uses Asterisk to create VoIP communication solutions in more than 170 countries. Since 1999, Digium has empowered developers to create innovative communications solutions based on open standards and open source software, providing an alternative to proprietary phone systems. Digium Switchvox Cloud and other cloud-based products and services are offered through Digium Cloud Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digium, Inc. Digium’s business communications products are sold through a worldwide network of reseller partners. More information is available at www.digium.com and www.asterisk.org.

About TMC

Global buyers rely on TMC’s content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. This presents branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities for vendors/sellers.

TMC’s Marketplaces:

Unique, turnkey Online Communities boost search results, establish market validation, elevate brands and thought leadership, while minimizing ad-blocking.
Custom Lead Programs uncover sales opportunities and build databases.
In-Person and Online Events boost brands, enhance thought leadership and generate leads.
Publications, Display Advertising and Newsletters bolster brand reputations.
Custom Content provides expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts.
Comprehensive Event and Road Show Management Services help companies meet potential clients and generate leads face-to-face. For more information about TMC, visit www.tmcnet.com.

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The Talk of the Towns. Talking Information Center Announces Speaker’s Bureau

January 8, 2016 // by admin

The award-winning Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA which broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to thousands of print and visually impaired listeners, has recently established a Speaker’s Bureau.

James Bunnell, TIC’s newly appointed Executive Director along with several volunteer ambassadors are available to speak about a wide range of topics to various audiences – from business and fraternal organizations to civic groups. Potential topics include:

The talk of the towns– Less than five percent of people who are blind can read Braille. Thus, TIC, serving the entire Bay State and its border states, is crucial to its audience. The numerous reasons why vision and print impaired people need a special radio station and the type of timely content that TIC delivers that is not otherwise available to the sight impaired are discussed.

Shifting demographics – In addition to programs for the print and visually impaired, TIC sees an enormous need to expand programming and distribution to the fast growing senior and veteran populations. Baby boomers are graying and in need of new services. According to Bunnell, “Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.” Military veterans are seeking more programs that have a “veteran’s voice”. TIC is developing new programming to engage, entertain and enlighten their growing audience of boomers and veterans.

Listeners celebrate over 35 years – TIC recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. More than 20,000 listeners statewide and beyond appreciate the TIC link to the world. And there is a broader audience waiting to be reached. It is estimated that 150,000 in Massachusetts are unable to read the printed word. The vision impaired face challenges of literary, maintaining independence, unemployment (70 percent) and paralyzing isolation. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. TIC continues to reach out to engage more of those who can benefit from the service.

Volunteers get the word out– With a rigorous 24/7 schedule, a modest budget and only five full time staff, TIC has hundreds of volunteers who tirelessly assist with programming as readers and engineers. Thoroughly trained to provide the best possible production, volunteers range in age and profession, and serve from studios and affiliate stations. Each region has a variety of compelling stories about volunteers and what inspires them to shed light for others.

“Our mission is to broadcast information to inspire, motivate and empower the print impaired community. With the growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, we’re developing programming specific to these new audiences,” noted Bunnell.

Volunteer Ambassadors Needed

TIC is currently seeking additional volunteers to serve on their speaker’s bureau. Volunteer ambassadors would be responsible for attending senior fairs, fraternal organization meetings and actively seeking additional opportunities to speak on TIC’s behalf.

To arrange a speaking engagement or to learn more about becoming a TIC volunteer ambassador, contact James Bunnell at 800-696-9505.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible. TIC programming may be accessed by specially tuned radio receivers or via live audio stream on the TIC website, www.ticnetwork.org.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Now reaching 25,000 listeners, TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, and special consumer information on subjects including medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also broadcasts cultural programming including old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area.

TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, (P.O. Box 519), in Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call 800-696-9505.

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How to safely lose weight and keep it off. Thursday, January 28, 7-8 p.m. at Aquidneck Chiropractic.

January 5, 2016 // by admin

Weight loss is the number one New Year’s resolution. In response, a free seminar entitled “How to safely lose weight and keep it off” is set for Thursday, January 28, 7-8 p.m. at Aquidneck Chiropractic, 1272 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842.

The four gold standards of weight loss will be discussed. These include dietary modification, behavioral modification, nutritional supplementation and exercise. As part of the workshop, Dr. Michael Gottfried will provide a complimentary consultation that includes analysis of body fat, Basal metabolic rate (BMR), blood pressure and food plan history.

“Weight loss can be a life-long struggle unless the patient makes a concerted effort to learn new and healthy ways of eating and living and applies this knowledge with enthusiasm,” noted Dr. Gottfried. He added, “Excessive weight is the leading cause of many health conditions and I see this on a regular basis as the main burden of my patients. Many of these painful limitations can be avoided with some focus and effort.”

Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Aquidneck Chiropractic, 1272 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842, (401) 849-7011, www.DrMGottfried.com.

How to safely lose weight and keep it off. Thursday, January 28, 7-8 p.m. at Aquidneck Chiropractic.Read More

South Coast Improvement Company promotes Charlie Hauk

January 4, 2016 // by admin

photo of Charlie Hauk of South Coast Improvement Company — Charlie Hauk of South Coast Improvement Company

MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently promoted Charlie Hauk to General Superintendent. Hauk had been site superintendent with the Marion, Mass.-based contractor.

In his new role, Hauk will Charlie will be charged with the management of multiple projects assisting, managing and mentoring South Coast Improvement site superintendents. His responsibilities will also include ensuring that South Coast Improvement project our sites meet OSHA safety standards and that South Coast Improvement workers in the field have the proper support from the project managers and support staff.

In addition, Charlie will be involved in some capacity on all major projects at South Coast.

“As site superintendent, Charlie has managed some of our more significant projects of 2015. That includes Marland Falls in Andover and simultaneously managing Marist Hills in Waltham, MA and Hannoush Jewelers’ new location in Darmouth, MA,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “In his new role, Charlie will be involved in some capacity on all major projects at South Coast. This includes mentoring other site superintendents on how to improve our clients’ day-to-day experience during the course of a project.”

Hauk began with South Coast Improvement in 2014. He had previously worked for New England Construction and Concigli Construction. He resides in Charlton, MA, with his wife Donna.

“South Coast Improvement has been a very exciting place to work the past few years. This new role is going to make it even more exciting for me,” said Hauk. “I’m looking forward to this challenge and sharing what I know with the rest of our site superintendents.”

For more information South Coast Improvement, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, health care facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities. South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services; Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

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Dr. assisted weight loss program announced by Dr. of Aquidneck Chiropractic

December 30, 2015 // by admin

Aquidneck Chiropractic based in Middletown, RI announced that it has added the doctor supervised ChiroThin Weight Loss Program™ to their office.

When asked what made Aquidneck Chiropractic decide to begin offering weight loss, Dr. Michael Gottfied commented, “The number of people in the United Sates that are overweight or obese has reached near epidemic portions. Every day I have the opportunity to treat patients who are suffering with health conditions that can be associated to being overweight. In fact, studies have shown that nearly 80% health conditions can be either directly or indirectly related to weight issues. I have decided to take a stand and help the people of the Newport area regain control of their weight and as a result, their health.”

When asked why he though weight issues have become such a problem, Dr. Gottfried said: “People have forgotten how to eat in a way that promotes health and being at their optimal weight and the two go hand-in-hand. In fact, that is what made me decide to go with ChiroThin. It teaches people how and what to eat in the real world. There are no shakes, no eating meals out of a box, no crazy exercise programs, and all of the food is purchased at the grocery store.” Dr. Gottfried went on to say that many people, when following the ChiroThin program, lose 20-35 pounds in just 6 weeks and they are given the tools to help them make the weight loss more permanent. Obviously, results may vary.

For a complimentary consultation that includes analysis of body fat, Basal metabolic rate (BMR), blood pressure and food plan history, contact Aquidneck Chiropractic, 1272 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842, (401) 849-7011, www.DrMGottfried.com.

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Professional Interiors new Ophthalmology Division ensures 20/20 design vision

December 30, 2015 // by admin

Bruce Puffer

Professional Interiors of Plymouth, specializing in the design and renovation of medical office interiors and catering to clients throughout New England, has announced a new Ophthalmology Division.

Professional Interiors’ expert design team understands the unique requirements of ophthalmology offices. The firm has created a new ophthalmology division to cater to this growing niche market.

“When it comes to ophthalmology office design, client sensitivity is of the utmost importance,” explained Bruce Puffer, founder of the company. “The footprint of the office, with designated areas for eyewear dispensing, testing, consulting and check-out, along with the flow from one area to another, are key to creating a comfortable, efficient space for patients and staff.”

For more than two decades, the firm has been improving business for medical practice locations through thoughtful, efficient design that better facilitates patient flow and ensures patient privacy and confidentiality. Ophthalmology offices have a number of design considerations, and Bruce Puffer outlines a few below:

Vision testing design layout – If testing and/or patient consultation is going to take longer than five minutes, then it makes sense to put them in a room. But, autorefractors and lensometers, which are used in performing quick, routine screenings, are best situated in an alcove area. Typically, Professional Interiors creates a custom “pod” or working unit of physicians and all supporting staff.

Eyewear dispensing area – This is a large profit center for an ophthalmology office. It requires at least 100 s.f. of space and is ideally located in the reception area. There should be a separate, quiet room for ophthalmologists to fit and train patients for contact lenses. This room should include a desk, sink, mirror and storage.

Lighting – Professional Interiors is often called upon to retrofit ophthalmology offices with LED lighting, which provides energy and cost savings. Nowadays, fluorescent LEDs have dimming capability, which is used along with softer lighting in access areas (where patients may have their pupils dilated) for testing. Access lighting is also used over task lighting in hallways.

Professional Interior’s ophthalmology design clients include Lexington Eye Associates of Lexington, Concord, Arlington and Westford, MA, the Center For Eye Health located in Brockton and Fall River, MA and The Eye Care Group in New Haven, Branford, Waterbury and Southbury, CT.

According to Dr. Paul Vinger of Lexington Eye Associates, “The final result was excellent from both a functional perspective and an aesthetic standpoint.”

To schedule design consultation with Professional Interiors or for more information, visit www.promedicalinteriors.com.

About Professional Interiors

Founder Bruce Puffer and his team have been transforming medical practice locations for over two decades. From flow at the reception desk to utility and comfort of patient rooms, he customizes interior designs that entice new patients and allow physicians better tools to do their job.

The Professional Interiors team is sensitive to the many considerations that affect design – from mobile computer units, biohazard waste considerations and HIPPA laws to OSHA laws and regulations and ADA compliance. As experts in medical practice renovation, Professional Interiors knows how to directly improve a practice’s business, better facilitate patient flow and ensure patient privacy and confidentiality. Professional Interiors is located in Plymouth, MA. For more information call (508) 746-7474 or visit www.promedicalinteriors.com.

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Rodman CPAs Offer QuickBooks Seminar in January

December 22, 2015 // by admin

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm catering to small and medium-sized companies throughout the greater Boston area, will offer a “Preparing for Year End” QuickBooks Seminar on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at their new office in University Office Park, 51 Sawyer Road, Suite 610 in Waltham, MA 02453.

Rodman CPAs’ Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisers Kathy Parker CPA, Leah Shanahan CPA, Janine O’Connor EA, and Christine McGoldrick will lead the 90-minute seminar. Topics that will be covered include: preparing for year end; reconciling accounts; reviewing and adjusting accounts receivable and accounts payable; 1099s; sales/use tax; and backup procedures.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The seminar runs from 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. followed by 15-minute question and answer session. Refreshments will be served.

The January QuickBooks seminar is the first in a monthly series. A second on-site QuickBooks seminar entitled “Preparing for the New Year” is scheduled for February 10th. Rodman CPAs’ new 8500 s.f. office features a spacious classroom specifically designed for on-site educational and networking events.

Rodman CPAs has been a member of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program since 1999. Having provided hundreds of small to mid-size companies with training and consulting, Rodman CPAs QuickBooks team provides superior services and expertise to meet the accounting software installation, setup, and training needs of businesses.

The fee for the QuickBooks seminar is $45. Registration is now open. To register, visit Rodman CPAs’ Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quickbooks-seminar-series-preparing-for-year-end-tickets-19897341484.

About Rodman & Rodman CPAs

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman CPAs provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England and beyond. The team specializes in improving business performance, business processes, operations, information technology, finance, and change navigation. Rodman CPAs provides companies with a sustainable financial roadmap through expert partnership/corporate structuring for optimal tax benefit; grant qualification assistance and auditing; ongoing advisory services for federal, state and local tax incentives; and strategic financial planning and management.

The firm has a specialized renewable energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice, known as the “Green Team” which serves renewable energy clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Entrepreneur Magazine names Lapels Dry Cleaning top Dry Cleaning Franchise

December 21, 2015 // by admin

Lapels Dry Cleaning Ranked #1 in Franchise 500's Dry Cleaning and Delivery Services category — Lapels Dry Cleaning Ranked #1 in Franchise 500’s Dry Cleaning and Delivery Services category

HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, was recently named to Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for 2016. That ranking includes being tabbed number one in franchise in the Dry Cleaning and Delivery Services category.

“This is an incredible honor and extremely gratifying,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels and co-author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business. “We have a dual goal/objective of doing business in a greener fashion and helping our franchisees be successful. This recognition offers some very strong evidence that the two are not mutually exclusive.”

Some of the innovations Lapels Dry Cleaning has employed to achieve the number one ranking include: the world’s only non-hazardous cleaning solvent; new dry cleaning equipment and improved programming to improve dry times to 53 minutes (a 20 percent improvement from the previous machine); machines that maintain and recycle cleaning solution; smartphone apps for customers to schedule deliveries and pickups, notify the store that they are on their way in and view their receipts as well as a number of other functions; LED lighting in its signage; and an annual clothing drive to benefit Big Brother and Big Sisters organizations.

“To us, part of being environmentally friendly is creating a friendly environment at our 70-plus locations. Our efforts to support causes on a local and national basis is a big part of that,” said Dubois.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10-plus years. Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on the Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.
Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Boston Seaport, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Waltham, Wakefield, Wellesley, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Michigan (Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield), Mississippi (New Albany, Tupelo, Pontotoc), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island), Texas (Bee Cave, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Tampa, FL, South Boston, Stoughton, MA, and Oxford, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has received a number of accolades in the franchise world. That includes being ranked as the number one franchise in the Dry Cleaning and Delivery Services category for Entrepreneur’s Annual “Franchise 500” for 2016. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels has also achieved acclaim in the dry cleaning industry. Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois is the co-author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business, sold on Amazon.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

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Talking Information Center Launches Annual Fund Appeal & Call for Volunteers

December 21, 2015 // by admin

With a mission of broadcasting information to inspire, motivate and empower the print impaired community, TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide and approximately 200 volunteers in their Marshfield studio alone. With limited government funding, the organization relies on the generosity of donors as well as volunteers who give their time to read the newspaper, periodicals, novels and children’s stories, and assist at events.

TIC’s visually-impaired and print-handicapped listeners, including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible, access programming by using special radio receivers tuned to the sub-carrier of local FM radio stations. They can also listen via live audio stream on the TIC website www.ticnetwork.org. TIC is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network made up of five affiliates across the state including: Audible Local Ledger (ALL), Mashpee, MA; Audio Journal Inc., Worcester, MA; Berkshire Talking Chronicle (BTC), Pittsfield, MA; Lowell Association For The Blind (LAB), Lowell, MA; and Valley Radio Reading Service, Springfield, MA.

In addition to programs for the print and visually impaired, TIC sees an enormous need to expand programming and distribution to the fast growing senior and veteran populations.

“Supporting TIC, whether it’s through donation or as a volunteer, supports thousands of listeners who are striving for their independence along with a thirst for knowledge and connection to current events that otherwise would not be available,” explained James Bunnell, TIC’s newly appointed Executive Director.

He continued, “Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older. We anticipate the need for our broadcasting to significantly increase over time. We ask businesses and individuals to help make a difference for many people in the community by considering donating to, or volunteering at TIC.”

To learn more, visit www.ticnetwork.org.